Alex Tanguay is returning to the Colorado Avalanche, where he began his career. / Sergei Belski, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

Analysis of the trade that sent forward David Jones and defenseman Shane O'Brien from the Colorado Avalanche to the Calgary Flames for forward Alex Tanguay and defenseman Cory Sarich:

Cap implications: Both O'Brien and Sarich are $2 million players, but O'Brien has an extra year. Tanguay is owed $3.5 million for each of the next three seasons while Jones has three more seasons at $4 million a season.

Why the Flames wanted the deal: The Flames needed size and toughness. Jones is 6-2, 210, and, at 28, he's five years younger than Tanguay. O'Brien is a rugged defender with a mean streak,

"O'Brien is a hard guy to play against, knows how to get under the skin of the opposition and stands up for his teammates," Calgary general manager Jay Feaster said. Jones has scored 20 or more goals twice in his career, but he scored three in 33 games this season.

Why the Avalanche wanted the deal: As vice president Joe Sakic and coach Patrick Roy make over this team, they need some cap flexibility and they pick up $500.000 in cap space in the Tanguay/Jones deal, and a full year in the O'Brien-Sarich exchange.

Plus Tanguay is a more proven offensive performer. He previously had played in Colorado and fans remember him fondly for his scoring. Both Sakic and Roy were teammates with him as they won a Stanley Cup in 2001. Sarich takes O'Brien's place on the defense.

Around the rinks

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ben Lovejoy, acquired in midseason, received a three-year contract on Thursday. He will get annual salaries of $1 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million for a cap hit of $1.1 million. The Ducks acquired him from the Pittsburgh Penguins and he tied second on the Ducks with 10 assists in 32 games. ... The Buffalo Sabres signed defenseman Mike Weber to a multi-year extension.